Algae alert issued for Palm Beach and Martin Counties

PAHOKEE, Fla. (CBS12) — The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County is warning people about a blue-green algae bloom that spread across waterways in both Palm Beach and Martin Counties.

According to the health department, a test run on Tuesday, April 9, showed harmful levels of blue-green algal toxins in the waters at the Lake Okeechobee Pahokee Marina in western Palm Beach County. The results spurred the alert, which only covers recreational surface water, the agency noted. It does not affect drinking water.

Also listed were the canals off of Southwest Conners Highway and Southwest Kanner Highway on the eastern side Lake Okeechobee.

In response to the alert, health officials are advising people not to drink, swim, boat or otherwise go into waters where a person sees the bloom. Anyone with pets should also keep them away from the marina and canals as they are also at risk.

The health department warns against eating shellfish taken from waters with algae blooms, however it noted that eating fillets from healthy freshwater fish is safe, so long as they are rinsed with tap or bottled water, the guts are removed, and they are cooked to a proper temperature.

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People should not cook or clean dishes with water from a contaminated lake, the warning continued, pointing out that boiling water does not kill the toxins.

Additionally, people who come in contact with the algae or other discolored water should wash their skin and clothing with soap and water.